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PASTORAL LETTER 




OF TIIE 


HOUSE OF BISHOPS, 


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jo 


OF THE 


PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 


IN THE 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



PHILADELPHIA. 

PUBLISHED BY BRADFORD AND INSKEEP, NO. 4 , SOUTH THIRD- 
STREET ; AND ABRAHAM H. INSKE.EP, NEW-YORK. 


1814 , 





•V I 



' 


JI39 


A PASTORAL LETTER 


BRETHREN, 

IN the General Convention, held in the city of New-York, in 
the year 1804, it was provided, that there should be a pastoral Ad- 
dress from the House of Bishops of this church, to the clergy and 
laity of the same ; on such matters as might be thought the most 
pertinent to the state of the church at each particular period ; and 
grounded on the documents which, on every such occasion, might 
appear in the official reports from the various sections of the union. 
In compliance with this provision, the bishops assembled in general 
convention in the city of Baltimore in the year 1808, addressed all 
orders of persons within our communion, on the topics of doctrine, 
worship, discipline, and a Christian life and conversation. Dur- 
ing the next general convention, which was held in the city of New 
Haven, in the year 1811, the bishops there and then assembled, is- 
sued their second pastoral letter ; which related to sundry particu- 
lars, especially interesting to themselves in their ecclesiastical ad- 
ministrations. Although any of the matters discussed on these oc- 
casions, might be now profitably recurred to, as having not been be- 
fore exhausted ; yet we rather feel a desire to set before you some 
circumstances in the state of our church, which we consider as 
fruitful of encouragement ; and some other circumstances, which 
open to our prospect an extensive field of zealous labour ; and, on 
the review of these two subjects, to ground some heads of advice 
and exhortation, deemed by us worthy of being presented at this 
time to the members of our church in general, and to the clergy in 
particular. 

One branch of the encouragement referred to, is the visible de- 
cline of infidelity, and the growing disrepute attaching to activity 
in its cause. It is within the memory of most of the present gene- 
ration, when that destroyer of human happiness broke in like a flood 
on civilized society, as well in the new as in the old world, threat- 
ening destruction to all its best interests ; although with the boast 
of introducing a new eera, relieved from prejudices of former times, 
and embellished by improvements not heard of before, in public po- 
licy and in private morals. In this threatened revolution, there was 
nothing new in the line of argument: so that the defenders of the 
Christian revelation had need of no other than the old stores of an 
swers to objections, which had been made at different times, during 


4 


the lapse of ages. Whatever there was of novelty in the event, 
arose from an extraordinary combination of circumstances in the 
political concerns of nations ; which produced an imaginary alliance 
between projected improvements in civil policy, and the eradicating of 
religion under the name of superstition ; whereby whatever was cor- 
rupt or unreasonable in the former line, was supposed to be upheld. 
Under gigantic struggles for the reformation of political abuses, 
there rose into notice and into power a species of philosophy, which 
proclaimed war with religion generally, and with Christianity in 
particular : and very extensive were the ravages which happened in 
consequence, in every line wherein human happiness, either tempo- 
ral or spiritual is concerned. The issue which we hold out as a sub- 
ject of congratulation, although not without painful sensibilities on 
account of intermediate mischief, is an opening of the public mind 
to the shallowness of the pretences, by which so many have been 
deceived and demoralized. It is more and more confessed, that 
religion enters essentially into all the interests of individuals, of 
families, and of state| : and while some are induced, on that ac- 
count, to encourage irwith a view to public order and private mo- 
rals, and for the promoting of the temporal prosperity of the social 
body, doubtless, a prevailing sentiment to this effect must lead other's 
to contemplate the important subject, as it manifests a bearing on 
the interests which will remain when the present state of things 
shall be forever at an end. For when we suffer ourselves to pro- 
ceed in the correct reasoning, which ascends from what we ob- 
serve and know, to causes competent to the producing of it ; we can- 
not but perceive, that the benefits resulting from the due exercise 
of the religious principle, are evidence of its being given by the 
great author of nature, for the government of the human mind. The 
consequence is undeniable 5 unless on the pretence, that in the con- 
trivance of the present system, its order and its continuance have 
been provided for by a salutary deception : which yet has not been 
so ingeniously contrived, as to escape detection by the discernment 
of those, who cherish a sentiment so foolish and so profane. 

This leads us to remark another article of encouragement, tend- 
ing more immediately to the same blessed end. We mean an in- 
creased attendance on the duties of public worship, and an increas- 
ing desire to provide the means of sustaining and continuing it, 
over a considerable proportion of the territory of these states. 
While we ascribe this, partly to the detection of the insidious pre- 
tensions of infidelity, we cannot but have our eyes open to the fact 
that, from whatever secondary cause it may happen, there are sea- 
sons of religious sensibility, wherein it is more easy than under or- 
dinary circumstances, to call the attention of the people to the things 
which belong to their everlasting peace. It is for the purpose of 
improving an opportunity of this description, that the remark is 
made : and accordingly we invite all serious persons of our com- 
munion, and especially the ministers of the gospel, to avail them- 
selves of existing circumstances, for the sowing of the seed of gos- 
pel doctrine 5 under the hope, that through the influences of the 


5 


Holy Spirit of God, it will bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and an hundred 
fold. A considerable addition to the number of our houses of pub- 
lic worship, a growing measure of attendance, in them, an extending 
demand for the Holy Bible, and for books on subjects of Christian 
doctr.ne tending immediately to practice, and, vve hope there may 
be added greater liberality for the supply of the wants of those who 
seclude themselves from all lucrative employment, that they may 
devote themselves to the ministry ; are among the favourable ap- 
pearances, on the ground of which we indulge ourselves in the pros- 
pects here intimated. We are aware, how easily there may take 
place counterfeit revivals of religion, and how often it has happen- 
ed in different times and places. There are now alluded to, what 
has been the effect of violent agitations of the passions, suddenly- 
excited and soon subsiding. We neither aim nor rejoice at sucli 
revivals; perceiving nothing like them either in the word of God, 
or in the history of the primitive church; nor any thing favouring 
them in the institutions of our own. Accordingly, when we refer 
to a growing attention to religion, we mean of that cast which is 
agreeable to truth and soberness, and congenial with the known de- 
votions of our church. While we thus define the religious profession 
which we are desirous of perpetuating we do not set up any in- 
stitutions as conceiving them to be acceptable to God, any further 
than as the outward form may be expressive of an inward power. 
But we do not aim at revivals of religion, in a departure from the 
principles of Christian worship, which we believe to have descended 
to us from Jesus Christ and his apostles, through the channel of the 
primitive church and of the church of England. On this ground, 
when we rejoice at what we conceive to be observable within our 
communion, of an increased interest in religious inquiries and atten- 
tion to religious duties ; we mean to be understood as speaking of 
these, within the bounds which have been defined. 

Having alluded, under the preceding head, to some extravagan- 
cies interfering w ith the spirit of the worship of this church ; which 
in some districts of country, wherein there was the w r ant of an in- 
telligent and zealous ministry, have withdrawn many from her com- 
munion ; it is with great satisfaction that w'e go on to remark, as 
another cause of congratulation, a decrease of the disorder. In va- 
rious vicinities of the United States, wherein our communion was 
formerly numerous and respectable — for we speak of the subject, 
only as it has a bearing on our own religious interests— there has 
been a visible decline of the effects of a species of zeal, covering 
itself with the character of our church, although not in harmony 
with her institutions, and no longer continuing to wear her name, 
than until circumstances sustained it in secession, and often in un- 
disguised hostility. We are not at a loss to discover some of the 
causes of this inroad, existing within ourselves. And although we 
plead, that it was partly owing to a cessation of public ministry, in 
consequence of events brought about by the providence of God ; 
yet, if any should lay a share of the blame on the w ant of godly and 
rational zeal, or a holy life and conversation, in some of our clergy: 


6 


we wish to humble ourselves under the charge, and to call on all 
©ur brethren of the olergy to do the same, as a body, in proportion 
as it may be just; and each individual on his own account, wno may 
be conscious of having given occasion in any degree, to the resulting 
evil. 

Whatever may have been the cause of it, we are persuaded 
©f the fact, that it is on the decline. We know that there are 
many, who feel the loss of the substantial nourishment of doctrine, 
which they had abandoned ; and who testify, that they have not 
found in other quarters, the satisfaction which they had expected. 
We anticipate the growth of the sentiment; in proportion as un- 
der the divine blessing, we can send qualified and faithful labourers 
into the vineyard. We deplore, as a lessening of the prospect of 
this, every instance in which there may have intruded into our mi- 
nistry, any person destitute of zeal for the work ; or any one, who 
mav have adopted the scheme of checking extravagancies extrane- 
ous to our communion, by introducing the like to them within her 
pale : conduct which we expect to see checked, by its being found 
to be an expedient for the obtaining of popularity, not commonly 
attended by permanent success, and always contrary to a good con- 
science. 

While we invite our whole communion to rejoice with us, in the 
sources of satisfaction which have been disclosed ; the use to which 
we desire to apply the consideration of them, is an increase of gos- 
pel zeal and labour, by providing in all places the means of grace, 
where they are wanting or imperfectly enjoyed ; and by exci- 
ting in the imperfect sense in which such an object can be said to 
be accomplished by human measures, the spirit of religion ; in the 
exercises of a rational piety, and in a suitable life and conversation. 
In our endeavours for the accomplishing of this, there opens to our 
view a very extensive field, wherein we consider the following 
particulars as especially worthy of observation. 

Within these few years, and within the bounds of this combined 
commonwealth, there have risen into existence sovereign states, 
with a numerous and increasing population, but without a propor- 
tionate provision for the ministry of the gospel ; and this perhaps 
the most of all, in regard to those of the inhabitants who profess our 
principles in doctrine, w orship and discipline. The condition of our 
professing members within those states, has been a subject of our 
most serious concern : and the pressure of the exigency seems to be 
in a great measure owing to the want of exertion, for the concen- 
tering of the means within the power of the persons principally con- 
cerned. Among the expedients which have been proposed for the 
bettering of our prospects in the western states, there has been that 
of extending the episcopacy to those regions At the time of the 
last general convention, this came with all the weight of its impor- 
tance, under the consideration of the only two bishops then assem- 
bled. They expressed their wishes to the effect, and gave a begin- 
ning to measures, of which it was hoped, and is still hoped, that 
they will issue in the accomplishment of the design : although, be 


7 

sides the general difficulty of the object, it has been hindered by 
events not then foreseen. 

As there are thus whole states recently risen, without any or with 
very little provision for the support of our religious profession ; so 
in the older states, there are large districts equally destitute $ and 
containing members of our communion, who are as much cut off 
from all intercourse with us, as if they lived in the other hemisphere. 
In the former emigrations from Europe, into this new world ; there 
seems to have been a circumstance in the condition of those of our 
communion, which distinguished them in many instances from other 
emigrants, and eventually added much to that scattered population 
of the former, which we are here pointing out as the cause of a dif- 
ficulty meeting us, in our exertions for the sustaining of the exis- 
tence of our communion. It was not uncommon, for a body of set- 
tlers to be bound closely together, either by a foreign language, or 
by some peculiarity of religious opinion, labouring under discour- 
agement in the land of their nativity. To such persons, it was an 
obvious dictate of prudence, to form compact settlements in the 
land chosen by them, to be in future the country of themselves and 
their posterity. The case was otherwise with the emigrants of the 
church of England, who being without such especial ties, were the 
easier induced to make their settlements, according to each family’s 
separate interest and convenience. As a counter balance to this, so far 
as their religious profession was concerned, it was natural to look for 
encouragement to the church in the parent country. This was in- 
deed extended to them, until the change of the relative situation of 
the countries in civil matters, produced such a severance of them in 
religious discipline as rendered pecuniary aid either impracticable 
or inexpedient. The fact above stated is at least one of the causes 
of the dispersed settlements of the members of our communion, in 
districts wherein the mass of population has risen under the influ- 
ence of principles, and in some instances of languages, different 
from ours. From members of our communion of this description, 
there continually reach our ears some such incitements as that heard 
by St. Paul in a vision, from the men of Macedonia — “ Come and 
help us.” While our means in their behalf are limited, we cannot 
excuse ourselves from presenting them to the members of our 
church in general, as fit objects of Gospel care and labour. 

Even in our settled congregations — some of them of long stand- 
ing — there occasionally occurs so much indifference to the sustain- 
ing of even the profession of religion, and the making of provision for 
the administration of its ordinances, as that while their neglect 
renders them subjects of censure, it ought also to be an excitement of 
our zeal. Even in such congregations, there are always at least a 
few persons, who are ready to “ strengthen the things that remain, 
that are ready to die.” And even if there were none such, those of 
the contrary stamp are not out of the reach of that voice of the gospel 
which is raised, “ not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” 
We have the satisfaction of knowing, that the call has been made 
with great effect, even in congregations of the description which has 


been slated. And this, we hope, will serve as encouragement to 
those who are ready to do their part of the work of God, leaving 
the issue of their labour to the influences of his Holy Spirit. 

It ought further to be taken into view, that even in neighbour- 
hoods wherein provision is made for the exercise of the ministry, 
and congregations are duly organized, according to the venerable 
institutions of the Church; there are powerful incitements to zeal 
and labour, that we may call sinners to repentance ; that we may 
direct the attention of professors beyond the forms, to the power of 
Godliness; that we may guard the imperfectly informed, against 
the errors engrafted by the weakness of men on the holy stock of 
Christian doctrine ; that we may open ail the branches of this in 
their integrity, as found in the Word of Truth; and that we may 
urge persons of all descriptions, to the attainment and the practice 
of whatever may contribute to the adorning of the doctrine of our 
God and Saviour. It is not here forgotten, that for the accomplish- 
ing of these blessed ends, “ although Paul plant and Apollos water/’ 
it is 66 God alone who giveth the increase.” But he sees fit, as well 
in the influences of his grace as in the dealings of his providence, to 
produce his high ends by the instrumentality of human means. And 
in each of these departments, the duties of all of us are discerni- 
ble from the relations and from the circumstances in which we se- 
verally stand. 

While we thus hold out to all the members of our communion, 
the gospel work which we conceive to be laid on them by the divine 
Author of our religion; we are not backward to extend their atten- 
tion to some articles of advice and exhortation, which we think es- 
pecially worthy of notice, for the accomplishing of the ends which 
we have in view. 

The first, and as essential to all the rest, is mutual incitement to 
the work; and this, in the Christian Spirit, which alone can ei- 
ther render it an object worthy of considerable exertion, or claim 
the promise of divine support. We read in one of the prophets, that 
when a general reformation was in prospect, “they who feared the 
Lord spake often one to another,” it being evidently meant in mu- 
tual incitement, to the object of their common concern. The reli- 
gion of the Scriptures is eminently social. And whatever relates 
to the visible profession of it, must be effected by joint exertions. 
Yet we mean not by this, that any concurrence in them is solicited, 
without a sense of religion on the consciences, and real piety in 
the affections of the agents. For we are free to declare our opinion 
that the encouraging of active endeavours, prompted by any other 
motives than a religious state of mind, is that building with untem- 
pered mortar, to which there is not likely to be attached duiatiou 
— much less usefulness and beauty 

We consider as a necessary expedient for the perpetuating and 
for the increasing of our church, that reasonable provision he made 
for the ministers, in proportion to Che means of the people in their 
respective parishes. There is not here forgotten the delicacy of the 
subject, nor the misconstruction liable to be put on whatever is said 


9 


concerning it, coming from men who arc themselve9 of the body to* 
which the discourse applies. But while this is a consideration pre* 
scribing the limits of moderation on our zeal for the matter recom- 
mended, it does not cause us to be silent on what we perceive to be 
a dictate of religious obligation. Were we restrained by a mista- 
ken delicacy, from the delivery of our sentiments, we should find 
ourselves reproved by that of St. Paul to the Galatians— •“ Be not 
deceived, God is not mocked ; for whatsoever a man soweth, that 
shall he also reap words which the connexion shews to apply to 
the wants of those who labour in the gospel. There can be no ar- 
gument adduced, to prove the divine institution of the ministry, 
which does not also prove, that ministers, received on the choice of 
the people, and for their service renouncing all secular means of 
maintenance, ought, on the most obvious principles of justice, to be 
furnished with whatever is essential to their sustenance and their, 
comfort. AVhile there is, in theory, a general conviction of this 
pervading our communion ; and while the principle is acted on, in 
some places, to a reasonable extent; there are others, wherein there 
has been lamentable deficiency, in the discharge of pecuniary en- 
gagements. This is a hardship which affects our own characters, in 
a point of great delicacy and difficulty : For being pressed from va- 
rious vicinities within our respective dioceses, for the supplying of a 
resident ministry ; in addition to the distress which we generally 
feel on account of the want of opportunities of meeting the demand, 
there is often the additional embarassment, when opportunities 
occur, that we may be the authors both of loss and of vexation to 
worthy men, by encouraging them to trust to promises which will 
not be fulfilled. 

The comparatively small number of our clergy, induces us to re- 
commend to destitute congregations, especially to those whose num- 
ber is such as renders the speedy settlement of an ordained minis- 
ter improbable, to avail themselves of the services of a lay -reader ; 
where such a person, respectable in character, and sufficient in other * 

respects, takes so much interest in religion, as to be willing to read 
on Sundays those parts of the Liturgy, which are not appropriate to 
ordained ministers, and such printed discourses as may be judged 
to be adapted to the understandings and the circumstances of the 
people. It will be no difficult matter, under the superintendence of 
the proper ecclesiastical authority, to select such discourses from 
the many able works of Divines, which have been given to the pub- 
lic from the press. We hold this to be a laudable effort of Christian 
zeal. Nevertheless, as like every other expedient of the same de- 
scription, it is liable to abuse; we would hold up to view the pro- 
visions of the 19th canon, in regard to the selection of the sermons 
to be read. Neither will it be foreign to the purpose, to allude to 
what the same canon provides, when, in relation to readers having 
a view to the ministry, it forbids not only the use of such parts of 
the service as are appropriate to it, but also some matters of little 
importance in themselves ? yet tending to mislead the world, as to 


10 


the claims of the agents to an official character, which is not yet, 
and perhaps may not hereafter be conferred. 

Another mean to be recommended, is encouragement and pecu- 
niary aid, where necessary and practicable, to young men of known 
piety and virtue, and of promising qualifications in other respects, 
in their preparing of themselves for the ministry. An apostle has 
said, “ How shall they hear without a preacher ? and how shall they 
preach except they be sent ?” What was the nature of the sending 
contemplated by him, is sufficiently evident in the plan on which, in 
person, he sent labourers into the vineyard. And if it was compre- 
hended in the counsels of divine wisdom, to extend Christianity to 
heathen countries, through the medium of a preached gospel $ the 
same must be the mean of its continuance, in the countries m which 
it has been heretofore received. If so, pious motions to such a min- 
istry ought to be a motive to the extending of aid for the supply of 
the necessary acquirements, in a church which entertains the opi- 
nion, and contends for it as of vast importance to the cause of Chris- 
tianity in general, that her ministers should be furnished with all 
those branches of literature which are necessary to the sustaining of 
the truth of Scripture against the assaults of infidelity, and the er- 
rors of mistaken professors of Christianity. Besides pecuniary aid, 
there is another species of it to which we invite. It is to be expect- 
ed from the clergy in particular, and consists in assisting students 
in their progress, by suitable instruction and advice. It is with plea- 
sure we add, that this benevolence has been extended in some in- 
stances, to the great profit of the church 5 which we mention under 
the hope, that there will be an increase in the opportunities of the be- 
nefit, and in ability and readiness for the extension of it. 

But while we would thus expedite the means of accession to the 
ministry 5 we w ould be far from pressing the subject in such a man- 
ner, as may incite to the forwarding of the expectations of any per- 
sons, concerning whom it may afterwards appear, that due attention 
would have shewn them to be very unlikely to be either useful or 
respectable. Our stations have familiarized us to two great dan- 
gers, on the present subject. One is, that the desire of being enga- 
ged in the sacred function occupies some persons, concerning whom 
there are manifest evidences on the one hand of sincere piety, and 
on the other of such imbecility, as will not suffer us to believe, that 
they are within the meaning of that qualification of our ordination 
service, “ the being called by the Holy Ghost to this office and mi- 
nistry.” The other case, is that of persons who fancy the clerical 
profession ; sometimes from vanity in the display of talents real or 
imaginary, while their characters and their conversation may shew, 
that they have not an adequate apprehension, either of the contem- 
plated character, or of the temper of mind with which it should be 
engaged in. However sensible of the disadvantage of the paucity 
of our clergy, we do not wish to add to their number, by either of 
these descriptions of persons. On the contrary, we consider the 


11 


discouraging of them as a meritorious act, in any members of our 
church who have opportunities to that effect. 

Increased exertion for the building of churches, and to keep in 
decent order those heretofore erected, is another matter to be recom- 
mended. In a country so much advancing as ours in population, it 
i9 evident, that a very great proportion of the people must be with- 
out the benefit of social worship ; unless there be a proportionate ad- 
dition of houses, in which it is to be offered. We appeal to it as an 
incontrovertible fact, that in general, of the mass of society, in the 
portion of it who become lost to this great mean of whatever is estima- 
ble in every department of social life, there ensues manifest evidence 
of depravity in their conversation and in their manners. Here is a 
canker in the body, which cannot fail to spread ; unless it be subdued 
by active efforts, for the putting of the means of public worship 
within the power of all. In this debt to the public welfare, have 
not we a share ? Have w r e not also a like debt, to the church of 
which we call ourselves members? Certain it is, that very many 
have left the membership of it, because they and their families could 
not enjoy the means of grace within its pale. It is not improbable, 
that from the same cause, many have been lost to the Christian pro- 
fession, in whatever shape. The keeping of churches in decent re- 
pair, is so manifest a dictate of propriety ; that we should not have 
mentioned it, were not the fact know n to us, that in some places, 
there is delinquency in this matter, to the dishonor of those to 
whom it is to be ascribed : since in the vicinity of suoh neglect, 
there is scarcely a passing stranger, who can forbear to remark se- 
verely on the indifference or the parsimony which are the causes 
of it. 

While the subject now before us is contemplated as leading to 
expence, we wish to define the limits of it. There is reason to be- 
lieve, that in some instances, there has been discouragement of the 
design of erecting a house of worship to Almighty God, because the 
agents in it could not compass the means of gratifying a taste for 
magnificence and expensive ornament. We do not think with 
those, who w r ould interdict the fine arts from this department. On 
the contrary w^e are of opinion, that where wealth abounds, and 
where it can be bestowed on this object, without interfering with 
any other more imperious; and while it carries with it the inciden- 
tal benefit, of giving employment to industrious tradesmen and sub- 
sistence to their families ; it may be not only innocently, but even 
laudably thus bestowed. But under the insufficiency for the erect- 
ing of splendid churches, we consider the affecting of them as evi- 
dence of too weak an influence of the principle, which should go- 
vern in accomplishing such objects : and we know that it has had 
a mischievous tendency, in the frustrating of some efforts and in 
the discouraging of others. 

Associations, in those vicinities wherein the number and the abi- 
lity of our people are competent to the sending of occasional aid to 
our more scattered and less wealthy population, we hold to he 
judicious mean of building up our church; and not unreasonably; 


12 


claimed of any members of that mystical body, concerning which we 
are taught, that if one member suffer, all the members should suffer 
with it. The expedient recommended has been adopted in some 
states, and has already produced such fruits, as encourage us in 
pronouncing it to be an object eminently worthy of Christian care 
and exertion. 

Another article of our recommendation, is the distribution of bi- 
bles, of the books of common prayer, and of a few tracts on the princi- 
pal articles of Christian faith, as held by our church. The benefit of 
such a measure may be contemplated, as it respects places where 
no provision exists for divine worship, and others where this bene- 
fit is enjoyed. As to the former, without disparaging the divinely 
instituted ministry, we may be assured, that even where Providence 
has not bestowed this mean of grace, the gospel, derived immediate- 
ly from the sacred records, will often be found u the power of God 
unto salvation.” In the latter instance, there will always be 
a proportion of the people, whose indigent circumstances call for 
pecuniary aid in a variety of ways : and surely, among the means of 
their relief, no call can be more pressing than that which invites to 
the reaching out to them of the bread of life. 

While we are on this part of the subject, we avail ourselves of 
the opportunity of congratulating all the members of our church, on 
what we conceive to be eminently a cause of joy to the Christian 
world in general — the wonderful efforts which have been made 
within these few years, being begun principally by members of the 
parent church, by a body known under the name of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, imitated in various countries of the old 
world, and concurred in with alacrity and zeal throughout the ex- 
tent of the American union — to disperse the bible in regions 
wherein it has been hitherto unknown ; and, in those wherein the 
religion of it is professed, to provide that none shall have reason to 
complain, of their being necessarily destitute of this instructor, this 
guide, and this source of the highest consolations. We should con- 
ceive of ourselves as wanting on this occasion to the high duties of 
cur stations, were we to neglect to bear our testimony in favour of 
this energetic effort, for the disappointment of the wicked designs 
.of infidelity, for the extending of the influence of pure and undefiled 
yeligion, and finally, for the carrying into effect of those gracious 
promises of heaven, which will not have been accomplished, until 
^ the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters co- 
ver the sea.” 

When we .recommended exertions for the more general diffusion 
of the Book of Common Prayer; it was not from the presumptuous 
sentiment of ranking any compositions of meer men, with what was 
indited under the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit. But it 
was on this double ground; first, that the order of our service requir- 
ing the audible voices of the people in the act of worship, there is 
peculiar propriety in providing, that no portion of any congregation 
shall be necessarily debarred from bearing their share, in what 


i3 


we deem essential to u the worshipping in the beauty of holiness ;” 
and principally, because as John the Baptist taught \is disciples 
how to pray ; and as a greater than he gave similar instruction, in 
an admirable form left on record in the gospel ; in like manner it is 
expedient, that the public wisdom of the church should furnish her 
members with a body of devotions, held to be agreeable to the direc- 
tion of St. Paul, of “ worshipping with the understanding ;” and yet 
not inconsistent with that higher principle of his and our master, of 
46 worshipping in spirit and in truth.” And although we do not 
doubt, that the religious discipline of the heart, in whatever lan- 
guage it may be clothed, rises an acceptable incense to the throne of 
a gracious and common father ; yet, while we contend that public 
devotions should be such, as the most intelligent and cultivated un- 
derstandings must approve of ; we conceive that a body of public 
devotions, so framed, must have an influence on the retired exerci- 
ses of individuals ; so as to prevent their either sinking into indif- 
ference, or running into the excesses of enthusiasm. 

In the mention of small tracts, there were understood those which 
give correct views of any of the doctrines, or any of the duties, ap- 
plying to all descriptions of persons; and which it is especially de- 
sirable to accommodate to those in the less informed departments 
of society. We know, that similar attempts to what is now recom- 
mended have had a powerful influence in propagating opinions, 
which we believe to be not agreeable to gospel verity : and this itself 
is a sufficient call to a counterbalance of the evil, in the proper 
use of an engine so liable to be misapplied. We have had ample 
proof of what may be accomplished in this very line, by the success 
therein of a society in the parent church, known for above a centu- 
ry, and lately acting with a vast increase of energy, under the name 
of 44 The Society for the promoting of Christian Knowledge which 
venerable body we cannot notice on this occasion, without recom- 
mending the tracts published by them, as a storehouse from whipli 
there may be drawn the religious armour, competent to the end 
within our view. 

We have touched, although slightly, the various topics contempla- 
ted by us in the beginning of this address. It must have been vi- 
sible of the mass of the remarks comprehended in it, that they apply 
alike to the clergy and to the lay -members of this church. But we 
ought not to conclude without an especial call on the former, to be 
active in the patronizing and in the executing of designs, for the ex- 
tending of the influence of religion ; agreeably to the principles, on 
which alone there can be any acting to that effect, within the bounds 
of our communion. In a church existing in countries not under the 
peculiar circumstances of these United States, it must in general 
happen, that the objects of the concern of a clergyman are within 
the bounds of the parish of which he is the pastor. Our case is dif- 
ferent; and will continue so, while there shall apply to so many 
members of our communion, that they are 44 scattered abroad, as 
sheep which have no shepherd.” It would be a mistaken remedy 
'.of the evil, to seal up sources of instruction now open, in the unc.cr- 


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tain search of opportunities of usefulness, Avhere they are wanting. 
Yet it is possible, and this is what we recommend, for any minister, 
■within the limits of his especial duties, and without injury to any of 
them, to favour and to promote designs, by a zeal which extends 
beyond his more immediate sphere. Even where the efforts of the 
several individuals may be small ; yet, combined, they will probably 
have an effect which shall be extensively, deeply, and permanently 
felt. 

The lay -members of pur communion we exhort, in reference to 
and for the accomplishment of the objects which have been laid be- 
fore them, to aid the clergy in their measures ; or to propose and 
pursue measures themselves, to the effect. We disclaim sectarian 
zeal, in every matter which we propose for the increase of our 
church. We profess to aim herein at the doing of our part, for the 
advancement of Christianity; a work, of which no share can be un- 
dertaken by us, except on the ground of the doctrine, the worship, 
and the discipline, which we believe to be the most agreeable to the 
scriptures, and to the practice of the primitive ages of the church. 
Under the influence of this sentiment, we invite all descriptions of 
persons contemplated in the present address, to aid us in sustain- 
ing and extending a church, 44 built on the foundation of the apostles 
and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone 
not forgetting, that in all endeavours to this effect, an essential ex- 
pedient, and without which we are not likely to be favoured with the 
divine blessing, is the 44 adorning of the doctrine of our God and 
Saviour in all things.” 

Adopted in the House of Bishops, May 23d, 1814. 
JACKSON KEMPER, Secretary. 



